Browse all articles, news, and guides tagged with security on Droid Tools.
GrapheneOS has merged Secure Paste, a privacy feature first announced earlier this month that's designed to stop apps from reading clipboard contents copied by other apps. Why GrapheneOS built it The platform's developers note that the clipboard can hold sensitive information such as passwords, authentication codes, and private messages. Android already limits which apps can
Huawei has released its new high-performance Kirin 9050 Pro chipset, and details about the silicon's architecture are now available across CPU, GPU, NPU, modem, security, and cooling. CPU, GPU, and NPU upgrades The chip's LinxiCore CPU supports simultaneous multi-threading and delivers a 24% gain in peak single-core performance alongside a 52% gain in multi-core concurrent
A locked Android phone may not be as locked as it seems. A reported WhatsApp behavior suggests that someone with physical access to a locked Android device could potentially reach the phone's photo gallery while answering an incoming WhatsApp video call, though the issue doesn't appear to affect every handset, with results reportedly varying by
Android 17 network privacy is expanding with several protections aimed at keeping apps, carriers, and outside observers from learning more than they need to know about a user’s connections. In an Aug. 27 report, Stephen Schenck at Android Authority says Google’s latest changes include Encrypted Client Hello, tighter local-network access, default Certificate Transparency, and carrier-controlled
Samsung has extended the June 2026 Android security update beyond the Galaxy S26 lineup, with the patch now rolling out to the Galaxy S25 series, Galaxy S25 Edge, and Galaxy Z Fold 7. The update weighs in at around 900MB and delivers 45 security fixes in total, with the rollout beginning in South Korea before
GrapheneOS has published a lengthy thread on X accusing Google and Apple of gradually making the internet and mobile apps more dependent on their own platforms, devices, and software ecosystems. The project argues that tools like Google's Play Integrity API and Apple's App Attest are being marketed as security features when, in practice, they make
Android 16 quietly shipped with a feature called Advanced Protection, and it's the closest thing Android has to a panic button for your privacy. Instead of digging through a maze of settings menus to harden your phone, you flip one switch — and Google activates its strongest security defenses all at once. Think of it
Since its launch, sideloading has been a crucial component of Android, giving it a great deal of flexibility as well as a feeling of freedom and openness. The community (quite understandably) panicked when Google announced it would make significant changes to sideloading. However, since Google has now demonstrated how its new sideloading flow on Android
On January 22, 2026, Xiaomi launched the HyperOS 3.1 beta, which included minor but significant UI and privacy improvements. Phones become smoother and speedier as a result. Additionally, the HyperOS 3.1 update uses AI to extend battery life. With improved app switching and adjustable settings, it improves the user interface. Additionally, it offers improved multitasking,
Two groups of researchers have found two new, distinct types of malware that function similarly and are embedded in a variety of programs that are accessible through different channels. Worst of all, the standard advice to “don't install apps from strange sites” is less helpful because some of them are even available on the Google
We recently reported about another type of banking Android malware that operates in the background and leverages accessibility settings to steal data, including passwords and bank credentials. More malware that allows remote attacks on Android devices and is freely disseminated among hackers as part of a subscription service has just been disclosed. More banking malware
The Security V12 generation of Xiaomi's standard Security app has finally been released with a significant update. The most recent build, V12.0.3-251114.1.1, is mostly concerned with modifications to the system infrastructure. However, as the new build offers a whole redesign of the Game Turbo interface and sophisticated system optimization logic, this would be quite intriguing
There may be hidden risks to billions of WhatsApp accounts. According to a recent analysis, there are major security flaws in the privacy of the communications that hackers might take advantage of. With merely their phone number, finding someone on WhatsApp is very simple for many users, and the frequency of searches appears to be
A new Android-based spyware that leverages NFC technology to make illegal ATM cash withdrawals and empty victims' bank accounts was examined by the Polish Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT Polska). Researchers discovered that the software, known as NGate, allows attackers to use banking information stolen from victims' phones to withdraw money from ATMs (Automated Teller
According to a survey by cloud security firm Zscaler, hundreds of malicious Android apps on Google Play were downloaded over 40 million times between June 2024 and May 2025. The company saw a 67% year-over-year increase in malware that targeted mobile devices during that time, with banking trojans and spyware being the most common threats.
Smartphone users are now being alerted by the FBI and cybersecurity organizations to a new fraud called “Quishing,” which includes malicious or phony QR codes. Particularly vulnerable are those who often utilize QR codes for logins or payments; some victims have lost thousands of dollars. Here's what you should know and how to protect yourself.
You should be aware that not everyone using WhatsApp is safe. Meta has alerted users to a significant security vulnerability that hackers used to launch a sophisticated, focused malware campaign that compromised dozens of WhatsApp accounts. This is why it's important and why you should upgrade the app right now. In order to fix a
Google launched Android 16 more than two months ago, yet no Realme phone has received the upgrade as of yet. However, the company claims to be one of the first to roll out Android 16 on premium phones. The deployment of mid-range and low-cost phones should also happen sooner than normal as a result. Realme
Are users of Xiaomi smartphones getting the August 2025 update? If not, it might be because Xiaomi is still getting ready for HyperOS 3.0. According to a new input, the corporation has purposefully stopped the latest security patch release. Following the HyperOS 3 preparations, the Chinese phone manufacturer has ceased releasing the August 2025 update
Even though your mobile device has many built-in safeguards to preserve your privacy and keep your data safe, it could still be subject to snooping if someone you know gains access to your accounts or installs hidden programs, or stalkerware, that follow you about. These malicious apps may spy on you by taking use of
